5 Moments that Defined Celtic FC in 2016

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GLASGOW, SCOTLAND – NOVEMBER 23: Lionel Messi of Barcelona vies with Jozo Simunovic of Celtic during the UEFA Champions League match between Celtic FC and FC Barcelona at Celtic Park Stadium on November 23, 2016 in Glasgow, Scotland. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images) /

3. Jozo Simunovic Transfer Saga

One of the more intriguing moves made by Ronny Deila was for young Croatian defender Jozo Simunovic during his final season in charge of the club. However, there wasn’t much figured out by the club about his future in Glasgow thanks to a knee injury that required surgery in March.

It was a long road ahead for Simunovic, and with the signing of Kolo Toure it appeared that Simunovic was surplus to the needs of this club.

He was allowed to seek a transfer away from Celtic Park in the summer transfer window and nearly had a deal done in the final days for a move to Serie A club Torino. Instead, a reported £3 million move fell through at the last minute, with Simunovic literally waiting in a cafe across the street from the Torino offices.

Some concerns over his knee apparently scuttled the deal, and looking back it was to Celtic’s fortune.

Following Simunovic’s return to full health, he has taken over as a stalwart in the middle of the Hoops defense. Along with Eric Sviatchenko, Celtic’s biggest issue last season has been solved with their duo being so strong.

Add in the declining performance of Toure and the lack of experienced options behind them in the middle of the defense and Simunovic has become vital to Celtic’s success.

Let’s just say that the Bhoys are lucky to have Simunovic. Can you imagine a full season of Toure playing 90 minutes in the back or just getting £3 million for Simunovic today?

His deal being scuttled by Torino at the final moments was truly a defining moment to where Celtic stand ahead of the Sevco match this weekend.

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